Race Equality

We know that there are inequalities in access to health services related to race; inequalities in health outcomes related to race and that different Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Communities experience higher prevalence of some conditions and disease. We also know the advantages of having a workforce which is representative, at all levels, of the population it serves.

Through addressing the issues identified by local people, we can develop more responsive services and real choice for service users because they are aware of services and information and how to access these. Addressing Race Equality for staff would ensure a more diverse workforce throughout the organisation that reflects the local population and therefore feels more welcoming to them. BME staff can also help the organisation to better understand the needs of people from BME communities and to develop more appropriate services.

What are some of the things that we are currently doing to promote Race Equality?

  • We have a team of health advocates working with different BME communities to support access to information and services
  • We provide an interpreting service in all languages providing both telephone and face to face interpreting 24/7.
  • We have a team of health trainers specifically working with BME communities to support them in their healthy lifestyle choices
  • We are implementing the Delivering Race Equality framework for mental health - designed to redress imbalances in service access, quality and experience for BME service users
  • We are funding work with new EU migrant communities to help them access appropriate health services

What are some of the things that we are planning to do to promote Race Equality?

  • Ensure that the health advocacy service is available to all BME communities
  • Launch a training & awareness raising campaign to ensure the interpreting service is used effectively
  • Run a series of health promotion events in appropriate BME community settings
  • Offer more training to frontline staff in cultural awareness
  • Support the relaunch of the BME staff network

The Equalities Scheme

Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust has a clear commitment to providing equality of access to the information, services and employment that we provide. The single Equalities Scheme lays out how we intend to take the needs of all communities, whatever their race, ethnicity or culture, into account in everything we do, whether that is providing or commissioning services, employing people, developing policies or communicating with people. This Scheme is a public document which sets out our vision and intentions around promoting disability equality.

Responsibility for race equality sits with everyone. The work is steered by the Equality & Diversity group which is a sub committee of the PCT board.

To obtain a copy of the Scheme in other formats, such as Easy Read or Large Print please contact the Patient Advice & Liaison Services Manager at Oxfordshire PCT on 0800 052 6088 or pals@oxfordshire.nhs.uk